Beihang University Admission 2026: Fees & Scholarships

Beihang University admission (also known as BUAA) opens the door to one of China’s leading technical universities, a strong choice for international students seeking high-quality education in engineering and technology. The university welcomes students from more than 110 countries and offers a range of scholarships. If you are thinking about studying in China, understanding the admission requirements, tuition costs, majors and daily life in Beijing is a key step toward an informed decision.

Beihang University overview 2026

Beihang University, officially Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is a leading public university in China and one of its strongest in aeronautics, aerospace and engineering. It was founded in 1952 and has a strong academic reputation in technical fields.

The university offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs for international students. At undergraduate level there are more than 50 majors taught in Chinese and 11 taught in English, and English-taught programs are available at graduate level. The campus is in Haidian District, Beijing, giving students easy access to cultural and professional opportunities.

To compare it with other options, see the top universities in China. Beihang stands out especially in technical fields.

Beihang University programs: diverse, modern majors

Beihang offers a wide range of programs at both undergraduate and graduate level, with a strong focus on science, technology and engineering. Majors vary by degree level and language of instruction.

Bachelor’s (in English): Aircraft design and engineering, mechanical engineering, communication engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedical engineering, and economics and international trade.
Master’s: Advanced majors in aeronautical engineering, space systems, automatic control, data science and materials engineering.
PhD: Advanced research programs in aeronautics, aerospace, robotics and engineering (4 years).

Note that some programs are taught in English (11 bachelor’s majors and a number of graduate programs), while most bachelor’s programs are taught in Chinese and require HSK 5. Even so, the university encourages learning Chinese as part of the cultural and social experience.

If you are interested in applied sciences, explore engineering majors in China and compare the options across the major universities.

Beihang University admission requirements: practical steps for international students

Admission requirements at Beihang depend on the degree level and major, but some basic requirements are shared by all programs.

Bachelor’s admission requirements

To apply for a bachelor’s program at Beihang University, international students need the following:

A high school diploma (or equivalent) and high school transcript.
Age between 18 and 22.
A passed CSCA exam with the result submitted before May 30, 2026 (for later intakes, check the deadline).
Proof of language proficiency: HSK 5 (at least 180) for Chinese-taught programs, or IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 90 for English-taught programs.
A completed online application form at admission.buaa.edu.cn and payment of the application fee (400 CNY, about $56).
A recent photo.
A copy of your passport.
A copy of your language certificate, the Foreigner Physical Examination Form, proof of financial support and your birth certificate.

Master’s and PhD admission requirements

For graduate study, the university requires:

A bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants (under 35 years old) or a master’s degree for PhD applicants (under 40).
Proof of language proficiency: HSK 5 (180+) for Chinese-taught programs, or IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 90 / Duolingo 105 for English-taught programs.
An acceptance letter from a Beihang supervisor.
A study plan and two recommendation letters (for PhD).
An application through admission.buaa.edu.cn and a 400 CNY application fee.

The deadline for the 2026 cycle was June 30, 2026 (applications open on November 1 of the previous year). The same dates roughly repeat every year, so check the website before applying. An interview or additional test may be required.

After admission, see how to get a student visa for China.

Cost of studying at Beihang University: tuition and living expenses

The cost of studying at Beihang depends on the academic level, the major and the length of study. The figures below are taken from the official website for the 2026 cycle:

Study level	Annual fees (USD and CNY equivalent)	Notes
Bachelor’s (English-taught programs)	About $3,500 – $4,200 (25,000 – 30,000 CNY)	25,000 CNY for Chinese-taught programs (science, engineering, management, arts and law), and 30,000 CNY for English-taught programs and some majors (biomedical engineering and design).
Master’s (English-taught programs)	About $4,900 (35,000 CNY)	Flat fee of 35,000 CNY a year, plus medical insurance of 800 CNY a year.
PhD	Set by the university, depending on the program	We could not verify a specific figure; check the official website. Many scholarships are available for PhD students.
Living expenses in Beijing (monthly)	About $420 – $700 (3,000 – 5,000 CNY)	A rough estimate covering food, transport and books; university housing costs 30 CNY per day per bed in a double room.

The 400 CNY application fee is non-refundable, and medical insurance is compulsory (3,200 CNY for the four years of a bachelor’s). Figures may change from year to year.

If you are looking for affordable options, check the Chinese CSC scholarship, a Chinese government scholarship that covers tuition, housing, a monthly stipend and medical insurance (airfare not included).

Beihang University scholarships: opportunities for international students

Beihang offers a number of scholarships to international students. They are awarded based on academic performance and nominations.

Beihang bachelor’s scholarships: the Outstanding Talent Scholarship (covers tuition, housing and a living allowance), the Program and Cooperation Scholarship (covers 100%, 80%, 50% or 20% of tuition), and the Beijing Government Scholarship (tuition and medical insurance). The deadline in the 2026 cycle was May 30, 2026.
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): covers tuition, housing (free dorm or an allowance of 700 / 1,000 CNY a month) and a living stipend of 2,500 / 3,000 / 3,500 CNY a month (bachelor’s / master’s / PhD), plus medical insurance of 800 CNY a year. It does not cover airfare. You apply through the Chinese embassy (Type A) or through the university (Type B). 2027/28 cycle: applications roughly October–December 2026, results June–August 2027.
Other scholarships: Scholarships may be available from partner organizations or from your home government, and are announced each year by the university and the relevant bodies.

To improve your chances of getting a scholarship, prepare strong documents and apply well before the deadlines.

For more detail on how to apply for scholarships, read the Chinese CSC scholarship guide.

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The international student experience at Beihang: daily life and culture

More than 1,100 international students from over 110 countries study at Beihang, and the university is in Beijing, which gives students plenty of chances to connect with different cultures.

Support services for international students include:

The International Relations Office and the International College, which help with registration and visas.
Chinese language programs for international students (see the website for details and fees).
Exchange programs and international summer schools under the “Yuanhang Project”.
Housing for international students in double rooms, which must be requested in advance.

If you are Muslim, your experience in China should be relatively comfortable, especially in big cities like Beijing. There are mosques in Beijing and halal food around the city (please check the nearest mosque and halal restaurant to your campus). For more on how suitable China is for Muslim students, read Is China a good fit for Muslim students?.

Working after graduation: careers and jobs in China

Beihang graduates have a strong reputation in the job market, especially in aviation, aerospace and engineering. The university has strong ties to China’s aerospace sector, which may open opportunities for graduates, but job opportunities for foreigners in China are restricted in some sensitive sectors.

Chinese companies value graduates of a leading technical university.
During your studies you may work part-time only with the university’s approval and an endorsement on your residence permit, up to 8 hours a week in term and 16 hours in holidays.
After graduation, some graduates may be able to get a residence permit to look for a job, or to work if they receive an offer, under local regulations. Check the current conditions.

If you plan to work in China, building a network of contacts during your studies will be key.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study at Beihang University without speaking Chinese?

Yes, in the English-taught programs (11 bachelor’s majors and a number of graduate programs). Chinese-taught programs require HSK 5. Even so, learning the basics is recommended for social and cultural integration.

What are the best majors at Beihang University for international students?

Standout majors include aeronautical and aerospace engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence and robotics, all of which are among the university’s strengths.

Are there halal restaurants near Beihang University?

There are halal restaurants in Beijing. Ask the university directly about options on campus and in the Haidian area.

What is the maximum age for applying?

For a bachelor’s, between 18 and 22; for a master’s, under 35; for a PhD, under 40.

Can I apply for a scholarship without a language certificate?

The university asks for proof of language (HSK or an English certificate) for most programs, and some programs may accept alternatives, such as proof that your previous language of instruction was English. Check the requirements of your program and scholarship.